Odisha Hikes Scholarship For ST & SC Students Under Mukhya Mantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved a proposal to substantially increase the pre-matric and post-matric scholarship for provided to Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste students under ‘Mukhya Mantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana.’

Considering rise in the prices of food and other items, the government decided to enhance the scholarship rates provided to boarder students residing in hostels. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The hike will benefit boarders staying in hostels managed by the ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backwards Classes Welfare Department, and the School and Mass Education Department, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja told the media after the Cabinet meeting.

As per the revised structure, the pre-matric scholarship for boys has been increased from Rs 10,500 to Rs 16,000 per annum, while the rate for girls has been raised from Rs 11,000 to Rs 17,000 per annum. These amounts are calculated for a 10-month academic period. The revised rates will apply to students from Shishu Vatika up to Class X.

Students residing in ANWESHA hostels will also receive higher support, with their Pre-Matric Scholarship raised from Rs 11,000 to Rs 17,000 per annum.

The Cabinet also approved an increase in the post-matric scholarship, specifically the mess management allowance for boarders in higher secondary schools run by the ST and SC Development Department.

The revised rates are Rs 16,000 per annum for boys and Rs 17,000 per annum for girls for Classes XI and XII. The revised rates for both pre-matric and post-matric scholarship will be applicable from December 1, 2025.